Apparatus for straightening elongate metal members



w. B. PRlDY Aug. 22, 1961 APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING ELONGATE METAL MEMBERS Filed March 30, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 WiErsW/vE 3 J e/0K,

INVENTOR.

wM w G 4rm/swsy Aug. 22, 1961 w. a. PRIDY 2,995,739

APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING ELONGATE METAL MEMBERS Filed March 50, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 166 7 Jae 3 32 H $T N @8- PE/D N V EN TOR.

W. B. PRIDY Aug. 22, 1961 APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING ELONGATE METAL MEMBERS Filed March 30, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug. 22, 1961 w. B PRIDY 2,996,789

APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING ELONGATE METAL MEMBERS Filed March 30, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 MErsr/ME PQ/ZDK,

IN V EN TOR.

United States Patent 2,996,789 APPARATUS FOR STRAIGI-IIENING ELONGATE WTAL MEMBERS Whetstine B. Pridy, 6113 Autry Ave., Lakewood, Calif. Filed Mar. 30, 1959, Ser, No. 802,864 12 Claims. (Cl. 29-81) The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for straightening elongate members, and more particularly to a portable apparatus and method of using same for straightening such elongate members as sucker rods, drill pipe, and the like.

When an initially straight elongate metallic member such as a sucker rod, or the like, becomes crooked or bent along the length thereof, if this irregularity has been acquired during service and at normal working temperatures it usually occurs when the member is subjected to a sudden force sufficient to permanently deform at least a portion of the member out of alignment with the balance thereof. Permanent deformation of any portion of a resilient elongate metallic member into a bent configuration is accompanied by a change in the internal stress pattern of the member whereby at least the most outwardly bent surface portion of each deformed section of the member is under tension, and the most inwardly disposed surface portion of each deformed section is under compression. These tension and compression stresses in each deformed section tend to return the deformed section to its initial straight condition, but exert an insufficient force on the permanently deformed core of the section to return the core to its initially straight configuration.

Bending of elongate metallic members, usually steel, such as sucker rod, drill pipe, tubing, orthe like, cornmonly occurs in oil fields, and may arise from any number of situations such as when a string of rod or tubing is inadvertently dropped into a bore hole or when it is subjected to excessive shock loads during either transportation or use thereof. In any event, crooked rods, tubing, drill pipe or other elongate members are in most instances situated in some oil field remote from a shop in which a straightening operation can be performed. To straighten them they must be loaded onto a truck or flat car, transported to a location where straightening facilities are available, unloaded and stored, conveyed from storage to the location of the straightening means, straightened, returned to the storage area or directly loaded onto a truck or car, and ultimately returned to the work site from which they came. The amount of handling required heretofore in the straightening of sucker rods and like elongate metallic members was excessively expensive relative to the initial cost thereof, and in many instances the deformed or crooked rods were junked and replaced with new equipment.

The primary purpose in devising the present invention is to minimize the amount of handling and transportation required in straightening of sucker rods and the like, to decrease the straightening cost thereof to a point where it is unquestionably desirable from the standpoint of economy, and to provide apparatus and a method of straightening that can be easily and conveniently carried out at a well site, storage yard, or other locations where large quantities of crooked rods or other elongate members are situated.

A major object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that may be easily and quickly transported to a site where a quantity of deformed elongate metallic members are located, which apparatus is adapted to be readily set up for use in rapidly straightening crooked members with a minimum of handling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a straightening apparatus that is rugged of construction, simple to operate, requires a minimum of maintenance attention,

and can be successfully operated and maintained by personnel having little or no previous experience therewith after but a few hours of instruction in the use thereof.

Yet another object of the invention is to supply an apparatus and method of using same, which though portable, is extremely versatile as to the size and length or deformed elongate metallic members that may be straightened thereby.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred and certain alternate form thereof, and from the drawings illustrating same, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a detailed side view in perspective of the straightener when in an expanded, operative position;

FIGURE 2 is a detailed transverse cross-sectional view of the straightener shown in FIGURE 1 taken on line 22 thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the straightener taken on line 33 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the straightener taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a partial view in vertical cross section taken along line 5--'5 of FIGURE 3 showing the expanding cylinders;

FIGURE 6 is a combined vertical cross-sectional and end elevational view of the idler support means;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of one type of pressure applying member;

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 7 but showing a preferred form of a pressure applying member used in creating the moment exerting force; E

FIGURE 9 is a partially schematic view of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view of a second alternate form of the invention;

FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of the device shown FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second alternate form of the invention taken on line 12-42 of FIGURE 11; and

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a third alternate form of the invention used in removing mineral deposits from the interior of a length of tubing.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG- URE 1 thereof, for the general arrangement of the first form of the invention, it will be seen to include a generally horizontal frame A movably supported on two laterally spaced pneumatic tired wheels B, which frame is partially defined by two parallel hydraulic cylinders C that are identical in construction. The forward ends of cylinders C are positioned adjacent a transversely extending platform D provided on the forward portion of frame A, and a conventional hitch E is mounted on the forward end of frame A for use in transporting the invention from one job site to another. A frame extension F is provided that includes two identical parallel, laterally spaced, rearwardly projecting elongate members G of such cross section as to be telescopically movable in cylinders C. The forward ends of members G are rigidly connected to pistons H, as can best be seen in FIGURE 5.

A carriage K, the details of which are best shown in FIGURE 2, is movably supported for longitudinal adjustment on the exterior surfaces of cylinders C by suitable roller supports, which will be described in detail hereinafter. An elongate member L to be straightened, as shown in FIGURE 3, is extended through the carriage K, with one end of the member being removably afiixed to a suitable holding member M that is rotated by a driving member N. The driving member N is actuated by a suitable prime mover 0, preferably located on or adjacent the platform D. The opposite ans- 2,

end of the elongate member L to be straightened is removably aflixed to a second holding member M which is connected to a spring-loaded rotatable shaft P that is afl i xed to a transverse rearwardly disposed extremity U :of the frame extension F. The rear portion of frame extension F is provided with two first laterally spaced, 'vertically adjustable legs Q that may be lowered to contact the ground surface and support the frame extension :in a substantially horizontal plane in alignment with cylinders C during the time frame extension F is moved longitudinally relative to the frame A, as well as thereafter.

Referring to FIGURES l, 3 and 5 for the detailed structure of the apparatus, it will be seen that the for- "wardly disposed ends of the cylinders A are closed by a transversely extending end wall 10. This end wall may "be the web of one of a number of structural iron channels 12 that are welded together to extend forwardly from the hydraulic cylinders C, and terminate in two forwardly and inwardly tapering arms 14 of identical structure that meet at an apex 16, to which the hitch E is rigidly 'aflixed. Platform D, which may be a heavy metal sheet 18, is welded or otherwise aflixed to the upper surfaces of members 12. The platform D is used for the support of various components of the invention, as will later be described in detail.

Each of the pistons H has an outside diameter of slightly less than the predetermined honed inside diameter of the cylinders C. The forward end of each piston isclosed by an end portion 25, and each piston has a fluid-sealing means 26 such as an O-ring, or the like, affixed in a circumferentially extending position to the {exterior surface thereof. Each of the means 26 is in slidable and fluid-sealing contact with the interior surface of one of the cylinders C. Fluid inlet and outlet means are provided on each of the forward end portions of cylinders C to permit discharge of hydraulic fluid "therein, as well as withdrawal therefrom. In the present form of the invention a fluid inlet 29 is formed in end wall for each of the cylinders C. Inlets 29 are connected bya fluid inlet manifold '31, which is in turn conne cted by a fluid inlet line 32 to a fluid pressure source, such as a pump, which supplies fluid under pressure thereto. A fluid outlet manifold 34 is connected between the fluid outlets 35 from the cylinders and thence from a fluid valve 37 to the fluid outlet line 38. Thus, with valve 37 closed, fluid under pressure admitted through inlets 29 to cylinders C will act upon the ends 25 of pistons H to move them rearwardly with a force that is equivalent to the pressure on the fluid in the cylinders times the combined areas of the piston faces 25.

The rearward forces exerted on pistons H, and in turn transmitted to the longitudinally movable frame extension F, is utilized to straighten member L by placing same within the confines of frame A and extension F and connecting the ends thereof to holding members M and -M. In FIGURE 3 the member L is illustrated as an oil well sucker rod having a rearwardly disposed threaded end 42 which extends through an opening formed in a transversely disposed leg 44 that is an integral part of an elongate member 46. A book 48, or other engaging 'member, is formed on the rear end portion of member 46 that pivotally engages a shackle 50. Shackle 50 is pivotally supported on the forward end of the shaft P. Shaft P is rotatably supported in a tubular bearing 54 rigidly aflrxed to the rear extremity U of frame extension F and may be moved longitudinally relative thereto. A pressure plate 56 is transversely affixed to the rear end of shaft P. A strong helical spring 58 encircles the rearwardly disposed portion of shaft P, with the rear end of the spring abutting against the forward face of plate 56 and the forward end thereof bearing Threads 60 are formed on the forward end of member L that removably engage a tapped socket 62 pivotally connected to a second shackle 64. Shackle 64 is connected to the rear end portion of a shaft 66, which has a driven sprocket 68 rigidly affixed thereto. Two bearings 70 and 72 are located forwardly and rearwardly of sprocket 68 and rotatably support shaft 66 in a substantially fixed longitudinal position relative to frame A.

An endless link belt 74 extends upwardly from sprocket 68 to a second sprocket 76 aflixed to a driven shaft 78. Shaft 78 is rotatably supported by two journal blocks 80 and 82 disposed on opposite sides of second sprocket 76. Blocks 80 and 82 are rigidly mounted on two identical, laterally separated, parallel supporting members 84 that are centrally positioned on platform D, rigidly aflixed thereto, and project forwardly thereon toward hitch E. Driven shaft 78 forms part of a transmission 86 which includes a manually operable gear shift handle 88. Power is supplied to transmission 86 through a driving shaft 90 that is rotated by a prime mover 92, preferably a hydraulically operated motor as shown in FIG- URE 1.

With particular reference to FIGURES l, 2, and 3, the present invention also provides means for subjecting localized areas of the bent elongate member to a radially directed moment, which is exerted in the direction opposite to that in which the member is bent or warped. That is, carriage K of the apparatus supports components to be described in detail hereinafter, that subject the bent, elongate member L to a force which tends to consecutively and sequentially bend longitudinal sections of the member back into the positions in which they were initially disposed relative to one another and in coaxial alignment. The presently preferred means for exerting the required bending moment' comprises a carriage K which is longitudinally movable throughout the length of the frame A and extension F.

Carriage K is conveniently fabricated from a section of a relatively large structural I-beam 96 that is turned on its side whereby the web 98 thereof is horizontally positioned, with the flanges 100 on each end of the web being vertically disposed. The lateral distance between the interior surfaces of the web is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the largest member L that will be straightened by means of the present invention. Four identical brackets 102 are provided, which are of inverted J-shaped configuration. Each bracket 102 includes a relatively long, upwardly projecting first leg 104, an arm 106 normally disposed relative to the upper end portion of first leg 104, and a second leg 108 that depends downwardly from the outer extremity of arm 106. The lower portions of brackets 102 are aflixed to the exterior surfaces of flanges 100 adjacent the ends thereof, with the brackets 102 thus being disposed in tranasversely aligned pairs and with the legs 104 of each pair projecting outwardly in opposite directions.

The lower extremities of legs 104 serve to reinforce each pair of brackets 102 and are preferably connected by heavy tubular cross pieces 110, as may best be seen in FIGURE 1. One or more longitudinally extending rigid side pieces 112 extend between, and are afiixed to the arms 106 on each side of the beam 96. Four transversely positioned shafts 113 extend between first and second legs 104 and 108 respectively, beneath arm 106, and serve to rotatably support elongate, tapered rollers 114 that can roll along the upper surfaces of both cylinders C and elongate members G to movably support the carriage K for longitudinal adjustment thereon.

Each of the brackets 102 has an elongate, vertically disposed, inwardly extending web 115 rigidly aflixed to the first leg 104 thereof, and pairs of vertically spaced openings 116 are formed in these webs that are in horizontal alignment.

Four plates 118 are rigidly aflixed to the outer surfaces of flanges 100 in normal disposition relative thereto, and

assures project outwardly substantial distances beyond the openings 116. Sets of horizontally alignable openings 1 20 are formed in plates 118, and each set is vertically alignable with four openings 1 16. By horizontally extending four pins 122 through selected sets of the openings 116 and 120, the beam 96 can be rigidly supported at any one of a number of elevations relative to the holding members M and M.

An inverted U-shaped support 122 is included as a part of carriage K, and is conveniently fabricated from two lengths of relatively heavy structural channel iron that serve as vertical, laterally separated side pieces 124. Each of the side pieces 124 include a web 126 from which two identical flanges 128 project along the longitudinal edges thereof. Side pieces 124 (FIGURE 2) are so positioned that the flanges 128 extend away from one another in opposite directions. A cross member 130 is rigidly afiixed to the upper end portion of one of the side pieces 124, which cross member is adapted to removably engage and rest on the upper portion of the other side piece.

A number of vertically spaced, horizontally aligned third openings 131 are formed in side pieces 124. Side pieces 1-24 are slidably mounted between two horizontal U-shaped guide members 132. that extend outwardly in opposite directions from flanges 100. Guide members 132 have horizontally aligned fourth openings 132a formed therein that are vertically alignable with any desired group of third openings 131. Two second pins or shafts 133 are provided that are adapted to extend through fourth openings 132a and any desired horizontally aligned group of third openings 131 to maintain support 122 at a desired vertical relationship to holding members M and M, for reasons to be later explained.

Two pressure applying members V are included, the preferred form of which is shown in FIGURE 8. Each member V includes a block 135 in which a longitudinally extending bore 136 is formed, and two short flanges 138 project outwardly from the upper end portions thereof. The side surface 140 of each block 135 is formed with a recess 141 or provided with other means to removably support a rectangular pad 143 of wood or other material sufficiently rigid to apply substantial pressure to the exterior surface of member L when in contact with the rotating surface thereof. A longitudinally extending groove 142 is formed in each surface 140, and the radius of curvature of this groove is substantially the same transverse cross section as that of the exterior surface of the member L to be straightened.

An upper holder W and lower holder X are provided, each of which is capable of removably supporting two of the pressure applying members V as shown in FIG- URE 8, or an alternate form of a pressure applying member V as shown in FIGURE 7. The alternate form of the pressure applying member V is identical to the first form, except that a ball 143' is used in lieu of the rectangular pad 143. The alternate form of pressure applying member V comprises a rigid block 135' through which a bore 136' extends longitudinally. Block 135' has projecting end flanges 138 on the upper portion thereof above the sides of the block through which bore 136 extends. The pressure applying member V is formed with a semi-spherical recess 141' in which ball 143 is rotatably supported and is so maintained in the block 135' by a rigid ring 144 removably afiixed to the block and held in place thereon by screws 144a, or other suitable holding means.

Lower holder X comprises a rectangular base plate 148 that thas two transversely disposed, parallel, rigid end pieces 150- affixed thereto which project upwardly therefrom. The upper edges 152 of each end piece 150 taper downwardly and inwardly to meet at a central point 154. Also, longitudinally aligned pairs of bores 156 are formed in each side of end pieces 1'50, and each of these pairs are coaxially alignable with one of the bores 136 or 136 in one of the pressure applying menibers V or V. When bores 136 or 136 and 156 are so aligned, a pin 158 can be extended therethrough to removably support the member V or V in the downwardly and inwardly inclined position shown in FIGURE 2, with flanges 138 or 138' resting on the surfaces of edges 152. Holder X is pivotally supported on the upper surface of web 98, as best seen in FIGURE 2, by a bolt or pin 158 that passes downwardly through a vertical bore 160 formed in base plate 148. After passing through bore 160, pin 158 extends through a vertical bore 162 formed in web 93. As shown in FIGURE 6, two longitudinally extending, laterally spaced rods 164 extend between the interior surfaces of end pieces 150. These rods are so arranged that when contacted by either of the side surfaces of blocks 135, 136 or 136', as the case may be, and bores 156 are immediately aligned.

Holder W is identical to holder X except that no bore 160 need be formed therein, but instead two laterally separated, inwardly tapering lugs 166 are afiixed to the plate 148 thereof. Two laterally spaced pairs of horizontally aligned bores 168 are formed in lugs 166 through which bolts 170 extend. Bolts 170 are positioned on opposite sides of a rigid body 172 of trapezoidal transverse cross section which is removably disposed betwen the two lugs 166 and snugly engages the interior surfaces thereof. Body 172 is mounted on the lower end of a vertical rod 174 that projects upwardly to a piston 175 slidably mounted in the confines of a vertical hydraulic cylinder 176. Cylinder 176, by means of bolts 178, or the like, is securely aflixed to the upper surface of cross member 130.

Two hydraulic fluid conduits and 182 are connected to the upper and lower confines of cylinder 176 and are capable of discharging hydraulic fluid under pressure to either side of the piston 175 situated therein. Conduits 180 and 182 are connected to a multiple port valve 186 which is of such structure that as hydraulic fluid is discharged through one of the conduits, hydraulic fluid from cylinder 176 is permitted to flow through the other thereof.

Hydraulic fluid under pressure is constantly supplied to valve 186 through a conduit 188 leading to the discharge side of a pump 190. A conduit 192 is connected to the suction of pump and a reservoir 194 is supported by a suitable structure 196 from a convenient portion of frame A. Hydraulic fluid flowing from cylinder 176 through either of the conduits 181) and 18 2 is returned to reservoir 194 through a conduit 198. Pump 190 is rotated by a second hydraulic motor 200 which is actuated by fluid under pressure that flows thereto through a con duit 202 and is discharged therefrom through a conduit 204.

Two reels 206 and 207 are positioned in axially spaced relationship, as can best be seen in F1GURE 4, and are rotatably mounted on a shaft 208. Each of the reels 296 and 207 on the adjacent ends thereof is provided with circular tooth-defining clutch plates 206a and 207a. One end portion of shaft 208 is rotatably supported in a suitable bearing 2G9 affixed to member 12. The opposite end of the shaft 208 is supported by a coupling affixed to a driven shaft portion of a conventional gear reduction unit 210 which is rigidly supported in any desired manner from a forwardly disposed portion of the frame A.

Gear reduction unit 210 is driven by a sprocket 211 that is engaged by an endless link belt 212 that extends to a driving sprocket 213 of a hydraulically actuated motor 214 that is preferably mounted on the platform D. Hydraulic fluid is discharged to motor 214 through a conduit 214a and thereafter discharged from the motor through a conduit 214b. A circular clutch member 215 is so mounted on shaft 208 that it must rotate therewith, but is longitudinally slidable thereon. The clutch memher 215 is formed with two oppositely disposed toothed surfaces 215a and 21517. When the clutch member 215 is moved longitudinally to the left, as is shown in FIG- URE 4, the clutch surface 215a is placed in driving engagement with gear 206a, and the reel 206 is rotated so long as the clutch member 215 remains so positioned, and the motor 214 is actuated. 7

Likewise, if the clutch member 215 is moved to the right, the toothed surface 215b thereof engages gear 207a, and reel 207 is rotated in an opposite direction to the direction of rotation of reel 206. The reel 207 will continue to rotate, so long as the clutch member 215 is positioned as above described, and the motor 214 is actuated. The clutch member 215 is provided with a centrally disposed outwardly extending ring 217 that at all times slidably and rotatably engages a bifurcated member 218 that is mounted on a lever 218 that is pivotally supported by a bracket 219 from the platform D or other conveniently located portion of the frame A. The bifurcated member 218 instead of being pivotally supported from platform D may be slidably supported thereon if desired. The method of supporting the bifurcated member 218 is immaterial, so long as it may move transversely relative to the frame A, to move the clutch member 215 into driving engagement with either the gears 206a and 207a to rotate the reels 206 and 207 respectively in opposite directions to move the clutch K either rearwardly on the frame A and extension F as desired or to move the frame forwardly thereon.

A cable 220 is wound on reel 216 with a portion of the cable extending rearwardly from the reel to a sheave 222 that is rotatably supported on a transversely disposed shaft 224 that extends between and is supported by two identical downwardly extending laterally spaced arms 226. The cable 220 after reaching sheave 222 extends upwardly therearound and continues forwardly to have the free end thereof afiixed to an eye-bolt 228 or other suitable fastening means mounted on the rearwardly disposed portion of carriage K, as best seen in FIGURES 1 and 5.

Reel 206 has cable 230 wound thereon that has a portion thereof extending rearwardly to an eye 232 or other suitable fastening means affixed in a convenient forward portion of the carriage K, as may best be seen in FIG- URE 3.

For convenience in using the invention above described, a transversely disposed elongate roller 234 is rotatably supported on a shaft 236 above the rear extremity U of frame extension F. The ends of shaft 236 are held in a fixed elevation above the rear extremity of extension F by two laterally separated arms 238. Roller 234 permits the member L which is to be straightened, or has been straightened, to be rotatably supported as it is moved onto or removed from frame extension F. Two pairs of transversely spaced rollers 240 are provided that engage the elongate members G adjacent the rear ends of cylinders C, and serve to support a pontion of the weight of frame extension F. Each pair of rollers 240 is rotatably supported on a shaft 242 which is held in a fixed position relative to frame extension F by a conventional bracket 244 rigidly aflixed to one of the cylinders C.

'I wo tubular members 250 are vertically positioned on the rear portions of frame extension F, preferably in abutment with the ends of the extremity U. Two diametrically aligned bores 252 are formed in each member 250 which are adapted to slidably receive a pin 254. Each of the legs Q comprises a length of pipe 256 that is slidably mounted in one of the tubular members 250, and a number of vertically spaced pairs of transverse bores 258 are formed in pipe 256. Any one of these pairs of bores 258 is alignable with the pair of bores 252 and are engageable when so aligned by one of the pins 254. Thelowerend of each length of pipe 256 preferably terminates in an inverted U-shaped member 260 which has a shaft 262 extending between, and is supported by the downwardly depending portions thereof. Shaft 26 2 rotatably supports a roller 264. When legs Q are telescopically adjusted by use of pins 254 to a desired downwardly depending position relative to the frame extension F, the legs together with wheels B, cooperatively support frame A and extension F in a substantially horizontal position. Support of frame A in a horizontal plane during rearward movement of frame extension F is stabilized by providing two identical second legs 266 which are pivotally supported from the rear portions of cylinders C. Legs 266 may be fabricated from pipe or other rigid elongate members. The upper portions of legs 266 are mounted on pins 268 that are supported in a horizontal plane parallel to cylinders C by means of lugs 270 which project outwardly therefrom.

When the invention is being transported to a job site, the second legs 266 are adapted to be pivoted upwardly and inwardly to positions where they are situated substantially within the confines of frame A. Legs 266 are pivoted downwardly, as shown in FIGURE 1, prior to rearward movement of frame extension F relative to frame A. The lower ends of the downwardly depending legs 266 are removably connected by a chain 272; One end of this chain is rigidly atfixed to the interior end portion of one of the legs 266, and the other end of the chain is caused to removably engage an engageable member 274, preferably a hook, which is mounted on the other of legs 266.

In use the operation of the form of the invention above described is extremely simple. The invention is first transported by use of hitch E to the site Where the straightening work is to be performed. After arrival at the destination, the second legs 266 are pivoted to the positions shown in FIGURE 1, and removably connected by chain 272. Fluid under pressure is then discharged through conduits 33, 31 and 29 into the confines of cylinders C to move frame extension F rearwardly relative to frame A to the extent that the longitudinal spacing of holding members M and M is appropriate for the length of the members L to be straightened.

Thereafter legs Q are lowered to positions where the rollers 264 rotatably contact a section of fiat ground surface. One of the members L to be straightened is longitudinally aligned with the frame A and frame extension F, with the forward portion of member L resting on the upper surface of roller 234 (FIGURES l and 3). With member L thus disposed on roller 234 it is advanced forwardly within the confines of frame extension F through the carriage K until the forward end of the member can be removably connected to holding member M. The rear end of the member L to be straightened is removably connected to holding member M.

Additional fluid is discharged into the cylinders C through conduits 32, 31 and 29, to move the frame extension F rearwardly relative to frame A to the extent that the spring 58 shown in FIGURE 3 is compressed, and the member L to be straightened is placed under tension to a desired degree. Member L, as will be seen in FIGURES 2 and 3, extends through the carriage K, and two longitudinally spaced portions of member L are in contact with pressure applying members 143 or 143', depending on whether the first form V of the pressure applying members is mounted in the lower holder X, or whether the alternate forms of pressure applying members V are mounted in the lower holder X. Intermediate the two pairs of pressure applying members V and situated above the member L is the upper holder W, in which two of the pressure applying members V are disposed.

The handle 88 is then manually manipulated to cause rotation of the member L to be straightened. Lever 218 may then be pivoted from the neutral position as shown in FIGURE 4, to one of two other possible positions to gamma cause either cable 220 to be power-wound on reel 207 or cable 213 to be wound on reel 206. Winding of cable 220 on reel 207, as shown in FIGURE 5, results in rearward movement of carriage K on frame A and frame extension F. Also, winding of cable 230 on reel 206, results in reverse movement of carriage K whereby it moves forwardly on frame extension F and frame A.

Prior to either forward or rearward movement of the carriage K on frame A and frame extension F, the valve 186 is manipulated to discharge hydraulic fluid under pressure through conduit 180 into the confines of the cylinder 176, and piston 175 is moved downwardly as a result thereof to force the pressure pads 143 into contact with the upper surface of the member L being straightened. Member L is then rotated, and when the carriage K is moved either rearwardly or forwardly relative thereto, consecutive sections of member L are subjected to a localized bending moment provided by pads 143 (FIG- URE 2), together with the two sets of longitudinally spaced pads 143 or 143 as the case may be. Rotation of member L, forceful movement of the pads 143 or 143' along the length thereof, and the oppositely directed forces consecutively applied thereto sequentially straightens the lengthwise sections of the member. When pads 143 (FIGURES 2 and 8) are in pressure contact with the member L being straightened, they do not only apply downward, radially directed forces thereto, but are in frictional contact therewith, whereby all rust or foreign material adhering thereto is substantially removed therefrom, particularly if, during this rubbing contact, oil or other solvent is applied to the exterior surface of the member. After the carriage K has been moved back and forth along the length of frame A and frame extension F one or more times under the conditions outlined above, all kinks, bends and crooked portions are removed from member L and rotation thereof is stopped.

The steps performed on the member L being straightened as outlined above are then reversed, the tension thereon is released, and the member disconnected from the holding members M and M and pulled rearwardly from frame extension F over roller 234 and placed in any desired location ready for future use. Another member L to be straightened may then be positioned on the invention in the same manner above described and the straightening operation repeated thereon.

It will be particularly noted that during this straightening operation, the spring 58 is under compression. As the member L is straightened, the spacing between the holding members M and M increases but the tension on member L remains substantially the same, due to expansion of spring 58 as this increase in spacing between members M and M occurs. Although the member L being straightened is under tension, the magnitude of this tension is insuflicient to cause permanent longitudinal deformation of the member.

Occasionally it may be found desirable to straighten an elongate member L without applying appreciable torque thereto. To that end the first alternate form of the invention shown in FIGURE 9 is employed. A bracket 300 supports a hydraulically operated motor 302 which rotates a driving sprocket 304 that is connected to an endless belt 306 extending downwardly to a driven sprocket 308. Sprocket 308 is mounted on the rear end of the spring-loaded shaft P and serves to concurrently rotate holding member M with rotation of holding member M. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is discharged to and from the motor 302 through two conduits 310 and 312. This form of the invention operates in the same manner as the preferred form thereof, except that no appreciable torque is placed on the member L being straightened, for the member L is concurrently rotated from both ends, with the speed of rotation of motor 3-12 being manually synchronized to rotate at the same rate as the holding memmber M.

A second alternate form of the invention is shown in FIGURES l0, l1 and 12, which is adapted to be either temporarily or permanently installed in an oil well derrick. This form of the device includes a bracket 400 embodying a rigid upright 402 which has a base member 404 projecting outwardly from the lower end thereof and a support 406 that is parallel to base member 404 projects outwardly from the upper end thereof. Base 404 may be affixed to the floor 407 of the derrick or a portion of the rotary table 408 by bolts 410, or other conventional fastening means. The derrick, as is normal in such structures, comprises a plurality of upwardly and inwardly tapering rigid members 411 that support a number of platforms (not shown) therebetween, as well as a crown block (not shown) from which a cable 412 depends that in turn supports a traveling block 414. Block 414 is of the conventional type used in the oil fields, and has a swivel 416 affixed to the lower end thereof. An elongate member 418 depends from swivel 416 which rotates concurrently with the swivel. A holding member 420 is provided on the lower end of member 418 that is adapted to threadedly engage the upper threaded end of a sucker rod 422, as may best be seen in FIGURE 10. The lower end of sucker rod 422 is threadedly engaged by a holding member 424 which is mounted on the upper end of a shaft 426 rotatably supported in a suitable bearing on support 406. The lower end of shaft 426 has a driven sprocket 428 rigidly affixed thereto. An endless link belt 430 extends from sprocket 428 to a driving sprocket 432 that is mounted on the drive shaft 436 of a hydraulically operated motor 438, or other prime mover, that is afiixed by conventional means to upright 402. Fluid is discharged to the hydraulic motor 438 through a conduit 440 leading to a source (not shown) of hydraulic fluid and discharged from the motor to a reservoir from which it may be re-circulated under pressure to motor 438.

Initially the sucker rod and tubing 422 is a part of a string of rod 444, the uppermost end of which string is shown in FIGURE 10. The length of rod 422 is prefably unscrewed from the balance of the string 444 by a power tong 445 of conventional design as shown in this figure. Prior to being supported as shown in the drawings, the upper end of each length of sucker rod 422 is engaged when disposed adjacent tongs 445. Thereafter rod 422 is moved upwardly by holding member 420 to the position in which member 420 is shown in FIGURE 10. When the lower end of the sucker rod 422 is in an elevated position it is swung outwardly slightly and caused to engage holding member 424. With the sucker rod 422 thus disposed, it may be rotated by motor 438 at any desired speed. It will also be apparent that a desired tension can be applied to rod 422 by moving the traveling block upwardly relative to the support 406 by use of the support cables 412.

A vertically movable carriage 450 is shown in FIGURE 10, and in greater detail .in FIGURES 11 and 12. Carriage 450 is fabricated from a relatively heavy metallic plate 452 that is bent, or otherwise formed, to provide a vertically extending flange 454 along the inner vertical edge thereof. Flange 454 rigidly supports two vertically spaced, identical pressure pads 456, which are preferably blocks of wood. The outwardly disposed portion of plate 452 develops into a triangular segment 458, and a number of laterally spaced openings 460 are formed along the upper edge portion of this plate and segment. Any one of these openings 460 may be removably engaged by a fastener 462 of conventional design, which in turn is engaged by an eye 464 formed in or afiixed to the lower end of a cable 466 that extends upwardly to a pulley or other rotatable support (not shown) which permits the carriage 450 to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to support 406. Segment 458 supports a horizontally disposed cylinder 468 in which a piston 470 is slidably mounted. Cylinder 468 is preferably provided with a circumferentially extending resilent sealing member 472 that slidably andsealingly engages the interior surface thereof. A piston rod 474 extends inwardly from piston 470 to terminate in a third pressure pad 476. The piston rod 474 extends through an opening 478 formed in an end piece 480 that closes the inwardly disposed end of cylinder 468. A helical spring 482 is provided that is under compression when the pressure pad 476 is in contact with the sucker rod 422 being straightened, with one end of the spring abutting against the interior face of end piece 480 and the opposite end of the spring contacting surface 47011 of piston 470. A motor 484 that may be hydraulically driven or otherwise, is preferably mounted on the upper surface of cylinder 468 or supported from segment 458 in a conventional manner.

Motor 484 has a drive shaft 486 that is connected to a pump 488 having a conduit 490 leading from the discharge side thereof to a confined space 492. Space 492 is defined by the outer face of piston 470, a portion of the side wall of the cylinder 468, and a second end piece 494. A conduit 496 extends from the suction of pump 488 to a source of hydraulic fluid not under pressure, such as a reservoir, or the like (not shown). To permit of continuous operation of motor 484 to drive the pump 488, a by-pass 496 is provided that extends from discharge 490 to a spring-loaded valve 498, which in turn is connected by conduit 500 to the suction 496.

The second alternate form of the invention is used in much the same manner as the preferred form thereof, with sucker rod 422 being rotated when disposed in the position shown in FIGURE 10. The carriage 450 is then moved upwardly by use of cable 466, with the rod being straightened between the two vertically spaced pressure pads 456 and the intermediately disposed pad 476. Actuation of pump 484 causes discharge of fluid into confined space 492 in cylinder 468 to force piston 470 inwardly to exert the desired force on pressure pad 476. Upward movement of the carriage 450 with the rotating sucker rod 422, sequentially subject the sucker rod to a localized bending moment due to the pressure offered by pads 456 and 475 and the kinks and bent portions of the rod are removed thereby. Rotation of carriage 450 is prevented as it is moved upwardly relative to the rod 422 being straightened by providing the carriage with an outwardly projecting rigid arm 502 that is at all times in sliding contact with one of the legs 412 of the derrick or group of stacked sucker rods 422. After one of the rods 422 has been straightened as above described, it is disengaged from the holding members 420 and 424, and another rod lifted from the well and the operation repeated.

After straightening, the rods or stands of rods are stacked and supported by the derrick in the manner shown in FIGURE 10. If more than one length of rod is being straightened, such as when a stand of rods is supported between the holding members 420, 424, the carriage 450 is moved upwardly as previously described. However, when the block 476 reaches a joint between adjacent lengths of rod, the motor 484 is temporarily stopped to allow the compressed spring 482 to move the pressure pad 476 outwardly to permit the pressure pad 476 to be raised above the joint. Thereafter the motor is again actuated to supply hydraulic fluid to confined space 492 to force the pressure pad 476 outwardly into contact with the lower portion of the rod disposed above the joint. 1

Rotation of rod 422 relative to pressure pads 456 and 476 not only results in straightening of the rod, but due to the rotational frictional contact between the rod and pads. rust and other foreign material is removed therefrom, particularly when oil or solvent is applied to the external surface of the rod prior to placement thereof in pressure-rubbing contact with the pads.

Occasionally it is found that the tubing string in certain oil wells, particularly those producing a substantial quantity of water, have hard mineral deposits formed therein. When such deposits are relatively thick the transverse cross-sectional area through which fluid can flow from the well is decreased thereby, which is highly undesirable. However, the invention previously described can be easily modified to permit removal of such mineral deposits or scale.

When the apparatus of the present invention is to be used for removing such mineral deposits, the rear extremity U is provided with a square tubular rearwardly extending boss 500 that is in longitudinal alignment with the bore in extremity U through which shaft P extends when the apparatus is employed for straightening purposes. When it is desired to remove mineral deposits from a length of tubing 502, as shown in FlGURE 13, the shaft P, hook 48, shackle 50, spring 58, and all other elements associated with said shaft, are removed from the invention. A rigid elongate hollow member 504 is provided, the interior transverse cross section of which is such as to slidably engage boss 500 and be removably supported in a rearwardly extending position therefrom. A rectangular block 508 is slidably mounted in member 504, and has a heavy rigid rod 510 extending forwardly therefrom, which is longer than member 504. A drill 512 is mounted on the forward end of rod 510, and the point of greatest transverse cross-sectional area of this drill is but slightly less than that of tubing 502 from which mineral deposits are to be removed.

A pulley 514 or other cable guide is rigidly aflixed to the rear end of member 504 and is supported by a bracket 516 therefrom. Cable 220 is disconnected from carriage K and is extended rearwardly under extremity U, over pulley 514, and connected by conventional means to the rear face of block 508. It will be apparent that the transverse cross section of rod 510 must be sufliciently small relative to the interior transverse cross section of member 504 as to permit both the rod and cable to be concurrently disposed within the confines thereof.

The forwardly disposed end of tubing 502 may be supported and driven in the same manner as a tubular member L that is to be straightened. Frame extension F is moved rearwardly relative to frame A to the extent that the rear end of the length of tubing in the apparatus of the present invention is located forwardly of the forward face of extremity U. Drill 512 is initially placed inside the rear end of tubing 502, and serves to rotatably support same.

Tubing 502 is then rotated in the same manner as in the preferred form of the invention, without using the pressure applying means mounted on carriage K. After rotation of tubing 502, the cable 530 is caused to move forwardly, again in the same manner as though carriage K were being moved forwardly, but with the cable then applying pressure to the drill 512 to ream out thesolid mineral deposits within tubing 502. Upon occasion it may be found desirable to float water rearwardly through tubing 502 during the drilling operation to carry cuttings and like material to the rear of the tubing where it is discharged onto the ground suface underlying the tubing. Introduction of water into the rotating tubing 502 is eifected by a conventional rotatable water connection 518 which is associated with the power driven mechanism that rotates the tubing. Water is introduced into fitting 518 through a stationary conduit 520 and discharged from the rear end 502a of tubing 502 as shown in FIGURE 13. After the drill 512 has traversed the length of tubing 502, the cable 530 is drawn forwardly on the reel associated therewith as previously described in connection with the preferred form of the invention, to draw the block 508, rod 510 and drill 512 rearwardly to a position Where the drill is located just forwardly of the rear extremity U. Thereafter the reamed tubing 502 is removed from the apparatus and another length of tubing mounted thereon.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may bemade in my invention .without vde- 13 parting from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore the invention is not limited by that which is shown in the drawings and described in the specifications, but only as indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A method of concurrently straightening an elongate resilient metallic member and removing foreign material from the exterior surface thereof comprising the steps of: disposing the ends of said member on a common longitudinal axis; applying tension longitudinally to said member, with the magnitude of said tension being insufficient to cause permanent deformation thereof; placing a first rigid surface adjacent said member; placing two second rigid surfaces adjacent said member and oppositely disposed from said first surface that is positioned intermediate said second surfaces; rotating said member; moving said first surface toward said second surfaces to the extent that said first and second surfaces cooperatively contact said rotating member and exert suflicient pressure thereon that foreign material present on the exterior surface thereof is removed therefrom, with the magnitude of said pressure being such that the portion of said rotating member located between said second surfaces is subjected to a localized bending moment which tends to forcibly return said portion into alignment with said said axis; concurrently moving said first and second surfaces along the length of said member as it rotates to sequentially subject portions thereof to said pressure contact of said first and second surfaces to remove said foreign material and forcibly straighten said member whereby said member truly revolves about said common axis; and releasing said tension exerted on said member.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 including the further step of maintaining said second surfaces in a substantially horizontal plane parallel to said member.

3. A method as defined in claim 1 including the further steps of maintaining said second surfaces in a substantially vertical plane parallel to said member.

4. A method as defined in claim 2 including the further step of concurrently rotating both ends of said member when it is contacted by said first and second surfaces to minimize the magnitude of the rotational twist to which said member will be subjected during said rotation.

5. A portable apparatus for use in concurrently straightening an elongate resilient metallic member and removing foreign material from the exterior surface thereof, including: a wheel-supported horizontally disposable frame; a frame extension in longitudinal alignment with said frame and slidably supported therefrom; a first holding member rotatably supported at a fixed position relative to said frame; a second holding member rotatably supported from said frame extension, which first and second holding members are capable of removably engaging the ends of said elongate member and maintain said ends on a common longitudinal axis; first power means that move said frame extension and said second supporting member away from said frame to apply tension to said elongate member when said ends thereof are engaged by said holding members; a carriage capable of moving longitudinally on said frame and said frame extension; first vertically movable pressure applying means disposed above said member and occupying a fixed horizontal position relative to said carriage; two longitudinally spaced second pressure applying means supported by said carriage and occupying fixed horizontal positions relative thereto, with said first pressure applying means being intermediately disposed therebetween; second power means that rotate said elongate member when said ends therefore are engaged by said first and second holding means; third power means that applies a downward force to said first pressure applying means to move same downwardly, with longitudinally separated segments of said elongate member after said downward movement being in pressure contact with said first and second pressure applying means; fourth power means that move said carriage and said first and second pressure applying means longitudinally relative to said elongate member when said first and second pressure applying means are in pressure contact therewith to sequentially subject consecutive portions of said elongate member to a localized bending moment that returns each of said portions to its initially straight configuration in coaxial alignment with said longitudinal axis; and means that maintain said elongate member under tension without moving said frame extension relative to said frame during straightening of said elongate member.

6. A portable apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said frame is partially defined by two parallel, laterally separated, rearwardly extending hydraulic cylinders, and said frame extension comprises two pistons slidably mounted in said cylinders from which two rigid members 7. A portable apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein I said shaft is longitudinally movable relative to said extremity, and said tension-exerting means is at least one spring that at all times during rotation of said elongate member tends to move said shaft and second holding member rearwardly relative to said extremity.

8. A portable apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein a rigid cylindrical bearing is provided that is rigidly afiixed to said extremity in which said shaft is rotatably and slidably supported, with a portion of said shaft extending rearwardly from said bearing; a rigid plate transversely affixed to the rear end of said shaft; and a compressed helical spring that encircles said rear shaft portion and is disposed between the rear end of said bearing and the forward face of said plate.

9. A portable apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said second power means is a hydraulically actuated assembly comprising a vertically disposed hydraulic cylinder rigidly affixed to said carriage and disposed above said pressure applying means, a piston slidably mounted in said cylinder, a piston rod afiixed to said piston and extending downwardly therefrom, conduits for discharge of hydraulic fluid into and out of said cylinder to forcefully move said piston and piston rod, and means supporting said first pressure applying means from the lower end portion of said piston rod.

10. An apparatus for use in concurrently straightening an elongate resilient metallic member and removing foreign" material from the exterior surface thereof when said member is rotatably supported in a depending position from a swivel on a traveling block within the confines of an oil well derrick, including: holding means that removably engage the lower end portion of said elongate member; means that rotate said holding means; a carriage; means to move said carriage vertically relative to said elongate member; first horizontally movable pressure applying means disposed adjacent said elongate member and occupying a fixed vertical position relative to said carriage; two longitudinally spaced second pressure applying means supported on said carriage and occupying fixed vertical positions relative thereto, with said first pressure applying means being intermediately disposed therebetween; and a rigid block having a recess formed on one side thereof, power means that move said carriage and said first and second pressure applying means longitudinally relative to said elongate member when said first and second pressure applying means are in pressure contact therewith to sequentially subject consecutive portions of said elongate member to a localized bending moment that returns each of said portions to its initially straight configuration in coaxial alignment with said longitudinal axis; and means that prevent rotation of said carriage with said elongate member.

11. An-apparatus as defined in claim wherein said means that prevents rotation of said carriage with said elongate member is a rigid arm that extends outwardly from said carriage and slidably engages a fixed upwardly extending portion of said derrick.

12. A portable apparatus for use in concurrently straightening an elongate resilient metallic member and removing foreign material from the exterior surface thereof, including: a wheel-supported horizontally disposable frame; a frame extension longitudinally aligned with said frame and slidably supported therefrom; a first holding member rotatably supported at a fixed position relative to said frame; a second holding member rotatably supported from said frame extension, said first and second holding members being capable of removably engaging the ends of said elongate member to hold said ends thereof on a common longitudinal axis; first power means that move said frame extension and said second supporting member away from said frame to apply tension to said elongate member when said ends thereof are engaged by said holding members; a carriage capable of moving longitudinally on said frame and said frame extension; first vertically movable pressure applying means disposed above said member and occupying a fixed horizontal position relative to said carriage; two longitudinally spaced second pressure applying means supported by said carriage and occupying fixed horizontal positions relative thereto, with said first pressure applying means being intermediately disposed therebetween; second power means that rotate said first holding means and said elongate member when said ends thereof are engaged by said first and second holding means; third power means that applies a downward force to said first pressure applying means to move same downwardly, with longitudinally separated segments of said elongate member after said downward movement being in pressure contact with'said first pressure applying means and said two second pressure applying means; fourth power means that move said carriage and said first and second pressure applying means longitudinally relative to said elongate member when said first and second pressure applying means are in pressure contact therewith to sequentially subject consecutive portions of said elongate member to a localized bending moment that returns each of said portions to its initially straight configuration in coaxial alignment with said longitudinal axis; fifth power means that rotate said second holding means at substantially the same rate as said first power means rotates said first holding means to minimize the torque placed on said elongate member due to the rotation thereof; and tension means that maintain said elongate member under tension without moving said frame extension relative to said frame during the straightening of said elongated member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 202,978 Atwood Apr. 30, 1878 352,652 Medart Nov. 16, 1886 352,706 Medart Nov. 16, 1886 445,571 McCool Feb. 3, 1891 758,238 Denault Apr. 26, 1904 949,622 Cragin Feb. 15, 1910 2,136,538 Borwick Nov. 15, 1938 2,180,879 McFadden NOV. 21, 1939 2,715,431 Grossu Aug. 16, 1955 2,757,536 Heldenbrand Aug. 7, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 465,161 Germany Sept. 8, 1928 776,465 Great Britain June 5, 1 957 

